Basin Residents React to Supreme Court Ruling in Hobby Lobby Case

MIDLAND - It was a close vote, but on Monday the Supreme Court ruled some companies don't have to pay for contraceptives if it goes against their religious beliefs.

One of the companies that filed suit was Hobby Lobby. It's a historical day for the retailer as they celebrate a victory in the Supreme Court.

"We are truly thankful for the decision that allowed us to continue operating our family business according to our principles," Hobby Lobby Co-Founders, Barbara and David Green, said.

In a 5-4 decision, the nation's top justices ruled some companies don't have to provide coverage for contraceptives on their health insurance plans. The case stems from a provision under the Affordable Care Act that requires companies to provide coverage for contraceptives.

The arts and crafts store argued this violated their religious beliefs and the Supreme Court sided with them saying the provision violated a federal law protecting religious freedom.

"The Supreme Court reaffirmed what our family has always believed; that America is a country founded on and sustained by religious liberty," the Green's said.

"If their employer provides insurance, it should be included, that's a right we should all have," Laura Morales said.

NewsWest 9 viewer, Amanda Derico, said, "Women should have the right to choose how they want to control pregnancies. Birth control is not an abortion pill."

In the lawsuit, Hobby Lobby only objected to certain forms of contraceptives like the "morning after" pill and intrauterine devices saying it's the same as abortion, destroying a human life by interfering with a fertilized egg.

"Hobby Lobby didn't tell them to not to have contraception," Bingham said. "They shouldn't have to take care of it afterwards."

Kristy Crutcher said, "if you don't like their policies, you have the right and the freedom of choice to work somewhere else that will cover what you need."

Laura Morales said it shouldn't come down to that.

"Why should you have to seek other employment just because your employer is granted the option not to provide you with contraceptives," Morales said.

The Hobby Lobby ruling does not affect coverage for most birth control pills, condoms, sponges and sterilization. The ruling applies only to corporations that are controlled by just a few people, in which there's no essential difference between the business and its owners.